The Winning Edge : Show Ring Secrets (Howell Reference Books)

Rating:
Summary: Superb guide by a real Pro & truly full of useful "secrets"
Review: Contrary to the comments a previous reviewer, I hope most will realize the value of this excellent and practical book and give it a try. The criticism of the "reader from Texas," is INANE and inappropriate. FIRST of all, the author never pretends to be a writer. He is, however, an accomplished Pro Handler with a track record of big show wins and real life experience to share about what to do (and not to do) in the show ring. SECOND, as for the comment about "how many times he belittled the owner-handler in this book," that too is utter nonsense. He is simply pointing out the kinds of behaviors that will NOT help you to win in the ring, and isn't that the ENTIRE POINT of reading this book??? Yes, showing dogs is a sport, but the reader is in La La Land if he does not realize that what "the judge likes," and "how to hide faults" are paramount to successfully showing and winning with your dog. The author does not pretend to be there to discuss "important aspects" of dogs. One presumes that the book will be bought and read to help the amateur handler understand how best to handle their dog in the ring. Ignore this reviewer and read this book! I found it to be extremely down-to-earth and full of little gems of wisdom and hints to remember and apply. I have bought a number of more "professionally written and less judgmental" books on showing and handling and they are too bland and so general as to be useless. They are NOT going to be the ones that I will refer back to and read again-- but this book will be read again and again. It's aptly named. It is indeed full of little secrets that are important to know in the show ring. It is an OUTSTANDING and entertaining reference in a gritty, no-nonsense way. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Superb guide by a real Pro & truly full of useful "secrets"
Review: Contrary to the comments a previous reviewer, I hope most will realize the value of this excellent and practical book and give it a try. The criticism of the "reader from Texas," is INANE and inappropriate. FIRST of all, the author never pretends to be a writer. He is, however, an accomplished Pro Handler with a track record of big show wins and real life experience to share about what to do (and not to do) in the show ring. SECOND, as for the comment about "how many times he belittled the owner-handler in this book," that too is utter nonsense. He is simply pointing out the kinds of behaviors that will NOT help you to win in the ring, and isn't that the ENTIRE POINT of reading this book??? Yes, showing dogs is a sport, but the reader is in La La Land if he does not realize that what "the judge likes," and "how to hide faults" are paramount to successfully showing and winning with your dog. The author does not pretend to be there to discuss "important aspects" of dogs. One presumes that the book will be bought and read to help the amateur handler understand how best to handle their dog in the ring. Ignore this reviewer and read this book! I found it to be extremely down-to-earth and full of little gems of wisdom and hints to remember and apply. I have bought a number of more "professionally written and less judgmental" books on showing and handling and they are too bland and so general as to be useless. They are NOT going to be the ones that I will refer back to and read again-- but this book will be read again and again. It's aptly named. It is indeed full of little secrets that are important to know in the show ring. It is an OUTSTANDING and entertaining reference in a gritty, no-nonsense way. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Quality Information
Review: DogRead book of the month July, 200o This book was chose to be on the prestigious 'DogRead' as a book selection of the month. We only do 12 books a year. The author comes on line for the whole month to answer questions on the book. George was very well recieved and his book recieved rave reviews. We found it easy to follow and great for the newbe or the long time owner. It was very well received by our 3000 member email group. The author was very knowledgeable and easy to understand.
treshell owner DogRead

Rating:
Summary: The Winning Edge : Show Ring Secrets
Review: Excellent book. I find this book works well in concert with "Show Me". The information is helpful for the novice and the advancing handler.

Rating:
Summary: He may be an excellent handler but he is not a writer!
Review: I couldn't believe how many times he belittled the "owner-handler" in this book. He seems to think that ONLY professional handlers are the ones who deserve to win because they spend an incomprehensible amount of time training and grooming their dogs. It is a sport, get real and have fun, most people have real jobs during the day. He also liked to write about what "the judge likes" and how to hide faults instead of commenting on what is the most important aspect, the dog itself. I have found other handling books to be much less judgemental and more professionally written. He needed to keep a lot less "go-pro-handler" emotion out of the book and stay away from writing about all his experiences dealing with "owner-handlers" (one time, in Ohio...)

Rating:
Summary: The Winning Edge : Show Ring Secrets
Review: I totally disagree with the the person who wrote the first review. i don't know about him, but i'm not paying $25 an entry to lose. I am an owner handler and took no offense to his comments. Alston is trying to give you yor winning edge. He's honest and forthright and I would buy this bokok over and over again if i had all the money in the world.

Rating:
Summary: A Confidence Builder
Review: This book describes common sense show ring behavour regarding both handlers and dogs. I really enjoyed this book and found that my natural extints were correct. All too often we listen to others about our handling and our dogs. This book gave me the confidence to improve and to conduct myself in a way that is practical and comfortable for me and my dog. At times it could be viewed as contradictory, however, I believe that the author simply has enough respect for the intelligence of the reader to determine the differences. He doesn't believe it's necessary to spell it out. For me the truest and most important point learnt throughout the reading of this book is a simple message of fun and enjoyment. To encourage the handler to have fun and to provide an enjoyable showing experience for their dog.
I reccommend this book to readers of all ages, show experience levels and breeds.My 11 year old daughter read it after me and we both enjoyed discussing what we had learnt.

Rating:
Summary: The Winning Edge : Show Ring Secrets
Review: This is a detailed book designed to guide you through your Speciality dogs' campaigning. This is not a book made to help class dogs win in the breed ring. This is written especially for Group 1's and Best In Show wins. I highly recommend reading this book before attending one of his seminars to be prepared what and what not to ask. This author has had mulitple BIS dogs in his resume' and has a unlimited wealth of knowledge in the sport. This book can teach you everything from installing fear into your competition, to getting the photographer to take the kind of picture YOU want. This is the best book on the market for the Advanced Owner-Handler or Professional Handler.

Rating:
Summary: NOT FOR THE NOVICE OR BEGINNER!!!
Review: This is a detailed book designed to guide you through your Speciality dogs' campaigning. This is not a book made to help class dogs win in the breed ring. This is written especially for Group 1's and Best In Show wins. I highly recommend reading this book before attending one of his seminars to be prepared what and what not to ask. This author has had mulitple BIS dogs in his resume' and has a unlimited wealth of knowledge in the sport. This book can teach you everything from installing fear into your competition, to getting the photographer to take the kind of picture YOU want. This is the best book on the market for the Advanced Owner-Handler or Professional Handler.